Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail’d, The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.
Good news, good news; the ladies have succeeded, The Volscians have been driven out, and Marcius is gone: A happier day has never greeted Rome, No, not even the expulsion of the Tarquins.
Second Messenger · Act 5, Scene 4
A messenger arrives in Rome with the extraordinary news that Volumnia has persuaded Coriolanus to spare the city and make peace. The report carries weight because it confirms that a mother's plea succeeded where senators and generals could not—family loyalty proved stronger than military ambition and revenge. It is a moment of genuine salvation for Rome, though the cost to Coriolanus will be his life.
As certain as I know the sun is fire: Where have you lurk’d, that you make doubt of it? Ne’er through an arch so hurried the blown tide, As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!
As certain as I know the sun is fire: Where have you been hiding, that you doubt it? Never did the rushing tide move faster through an arch, As the relieved people moved through the gates. Why, listen!
Second Messenger · Act 5, Scene 4
The messenger swears to the truth of the news with absolute certainty, mocking anyone who doubts it. The declaration matters because after months of fear and uncertainty, Rome hears unshakeable confirmation that the threat has been lifted. The messenger's confidence restores hope and allows the city to believe in its own survival again.
The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes, Tabours and cymbals and the shouting Romans, Make the sun dance. Hark you!
The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries, and fifes, Tabors and cymbals, and the shouting Romans, Make the sun itself seem to dance. Listen!
Second Messenger · Act 5, Scene 4
The messenger describes the overwhelming sound of celebration filling Rome as the news spreads through the streets and gates. The image lands because it captures the physical reality of joy—Rome is not silent, but loud with relief and gratitude for Volumnia's victory. The entire city is animated by what one woman and her family have achieved through love.
